Dan Brown: The Lost SymbolHis newest novel is full of spiritual truths, historical facts, and information about our nation's forefathers, many of whom were members of the Masons. An exciting story even if there are some gaps in logic that left me shaking my head. He's not the best writer, but he does a lot of research into his subject matter.

Patricia Panahi: God Outside the Box: A Story of Breaking FreeI enjoyed Patricia's book and related to her spiritual quest and exploration of many different paths, religions and beliefs. The daughter of a Muslim father and Catholic mother, Patricia grew up in Iran and later came to the United States, where she began her quest to find God "outside the box". From rebirthing to shamanism,Hinduism to metaphysics, I felt like I was reliving my own spiritual journey. Patricia explores many concepts and ideas in her book, such as synchronicity, reincarnation, and sacred contracts. I was never bored. In fact, I didn't want the book to end. I'm now looking forward to her next book

Deepak Chopra: The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot IgnoreThe Jesus that Chopra presents to us is a teacher of God consciousness and a walking example of one who lived in this state of consciousness. I most resonate with this Jesus and even those who do not see themselves as Christians will be inspired and fed by the teachings of Jesus as they are presented by Chopra.

Elizabeth Gilbert: Eat Pray LoveA delightful memoir about Gilbert's one-year sabbatical following her divorce. She seeks to find pleasure again in Italy, to find God in an ashram in India, and balance in Indonesia learning from an old medicine man. A spiritual journey (and, in the end, a love story) that is fun, humorous and wonderfully told.

Byron Katie: Loving What IsThis book gives you the key to unlocking the door that can lead to a life of inner peace and joy. If everyone in the world would read this book there would be no more war.

Charles Fillmore: Metaphysical Bible DictionaryBased on the teachings of Jesus Christ, this book provides the esoteric meanings of words, names and places. A valuable resource for all Bible students who want to delve into metaphysical interpretation of scripture.

A friend told me her experience of taking a trip and encountering a sign that said, "Detour Ahead". She was upset because it would delay her arrival time at her destination. With a growing sense of impatience, she turned off the main road and followed the arrows that pointed her in a new direction. Fear was also welling up within her because she was alone in her car and there was no other traffic. What if her car broke down in this desolate area where no one seemed to be but her? She continued on and came up over a hill where before her she witnessed the most beautiful sunset that she had ever seen. It was as if the scene had been painted just for her. Her eyes welled up with tears and she caught herself saying "thank you".

What this friend realized in that moment was that there can be gifts that come from the detours in life. If we can be patient and trusting of the Universe or God, something good is usually waiting for us along the way.

In my own life, I have often encountered detours. Where I thought I should be was not where I was and I experienced feelings of frustration and impatience. But later, in hindsight, I realized that I had been exactly where I needed to be. There were no coincidences. The detour gave me a chance to learn important lessons and make a difference in the lives of others that I encountered along the way. I saw where we came together in synchronicity to do our work together.

My husband and I are ministers and we had been looking for a church to serve when I heard about a position as a coordinator of a mentoring program for mothers. The program was wonderful and I enjoyed helping it to grow. Then our funding was pulled and the program needed to continue on a volunteer basis, which it has continued to do quite successfully. But I needed to find another job. I was able to go to work for the same charity but as a hospice volunteer coordinator. While I was upset about leaving the other program, I have truly enjoyed my work in hospice and have learned new skills and shared different gifts.

When you encounter a detour in your life, remember that great gifts can come through these changes in direction. Keep a positive attitude and know that just around the corner or over the next hill you may find something or someone waiting for you that will be a blessing in your life in ways that you can't even imagine. Life is an exciting journey and even more so with the unexpected detours. Give thanks and enjoy the ride!

I woke up this morning thinking about the people at Unity Church of Olympia, Washington. My husband and I were at the church this last weekend. It was a "try-out" weekend where both sides--the congregation and we, as their potential ministers, get a chance to to get to know each other. It is kind of like dating and I couldn't help thinking about the shows "The Bachelor" or "The Bachelorette". You have a very short time together to find out if you're compatible and want to commit to one another. But, like these shows, you are not the only candidate. In this case, there are two other candidates to follow over the next two weekends.

Bob and I have gone through this process several times before, one of which was in Hollywood, Florida where we served as ministers previously. Before we visited Unity of Hollywood, we went to two other churches, both of which had great people. Both of these churches felt strongly about us and were ready to hire us as their ministers. But we knew in our hearts that neither church was "our church". It was an intuitive knowing, a feeling that came to us. So as we left both of these congregations after our try-out weekends, there was a sadness that came over us, but also a knowing that Divine Order was established and that there would be a congregation that was right for us.

When we went to Unity of Hollywood, we were not sure what we would find. We had been warned that this was a congregation that had gone through a lot of loss and was in need of healing. Other ministers had tactfully told us that we might want to reconsider going there, that it was maybe biting off more than we could chew. And yet, at Unity of Hollywood we had a wonderful feeling and there were signs that this was, indeed, our church. One of the signs was rather humorous. A huge lizard appeared in a tree outside a window in the sanctuary during our talk that Sunday. He or she watched us throughout the service. We were later told that this lizard had not made an appearance since the previous minister's death.

The other sign was more visceral--a heart-quickening, soul connection and feeling of being home with family when we were with the people of the church. We left knowing that this was our church. And sure enough, they felt it too.

This last weekend, with the people of Unity of Olympia, reminded us of our trip to Unity of Hollywood, and coincidentally, both try-out weekends occurred in the month of July, right around the time of my birthday. The people were warm and friendly, had open hearts and minds, were generous and compassionate, ready to reach out into the outside community and get involved, and to take a leap of faith. My husband and I found ourselves falling in love--not with each other, that had happened a long time ago--but with these people. As the weekend was drawing to a close, I could feel the emotions rising within me, the tears coming to my eyes. Would I ever see these people again? I wondered. The "Hello" Committee and Council of Trustees members asked how we were feeling in the last few minutes before we went back to our hotel. Bob put it this way, "It's like you're falling in love but don't want to get your heart broken."

When you love someone, you want the best for them. That is what we want for the people of Unity of Olympia. We trust that God/Spirit is at work in this process and that when the time comes for a decision, the right and perfect minister(s) will be chosen. Until then, our thoughts and prayers will be with these people who have most assuredly left their footprints on our hearts.

For those of you not familiar with the concept of tithing, it is a spiritual principle that many believers practice. It is giving at the level of 10% of your income (tithe comes from the word ten) to your church or other channel of spiritual food. In other words, where are you fed spiritually? Is it a church or spiritual center? Have you been inspired through a book or CD? Where does God/Spirit speak to you? That person or place would be where you give.

Giving and generosity are part of all faith traditions. It is as natural as breathing in and breathing out. In fact, that is a good analogy. In order to receive a fresh breath of air, you must be willing to breathe out the last breath you took. You cannot receive more without letting go of what you already have. You keep the flow going...in and out...receiving and giving, giving and receiving. When we clutch and constrict, we restrict the flow.

Giving is also an acknowledgement of your gratitude for what you have received. And when we give from an attitude of gratitude, our hearts are open and receptive to receiving even greater blessings. The Native Americans always presented seeds and other offerings to Spirit as a recognition that their good came from this Source. They gave the first fruits of their labor.

We are told in the Bible that if we give, that God will provide--that God will open up the windows of heaven. To me, God is not a person sitting on a cloud, waiting to hand over the goodies if we give to our church. God, to me, is the principle of goodness itself. Christ Conscciousness is our awareness of God operating in our lives as good health, wholeness, love, oneness with all, prosperity, and so much more. It is our openness to receive what this Creative Spirit has already provided. Jesus was our role model in living by this principle.

Now, what about these challenging times that we seem to be experiencing right now? you might ask. Are we expected to give as generously during these times? Well, let me just share my own experience and belief, because I can't tell you what to do with your money.

My husband was laid off from his job in public relations in October. It was a shock to us and it meant our income would be cut by more than one-half. We talked about it and knew that regardless of appearances, we needed to continue to tithe. So we tithed on my salary. I won't say that it wasn't a bit scary--and I heard the voice of my practical father in my head telling me that I must be crazy. But I knew the power of the practice of this principle and it's ability to transform consciousness.

Since October, we have been able to pay all our bills and meet our responsibilities. It doesn't make sense logically, but it does spiritually. Faith is the power that opens our hearts and minds and knows that we are provided for with the rich resources of Spirit. Those resources can come to us through many different channels, whether it's unemployment compensation, family, the lottery (be careful about that one), or a job. By keeping our minds open, we become aware of opportunities that we may not otherwise have noticed. And as the good flows in, we bless it and send some of it back out again.

Keep the flow going in your life and begin to stop clenching and holding tight to what you have and let some of it go. Bless it and hold in mind that you are in the flow of the Universe and that good is coming to you as surely as you breathe out and breathe in.

In my Gather group, Spirituality Explorers, http://exploringspirit.gather.com/ I put the question out: "What are you grateful for?" The answers are coming in and I am enjoying reading them.

Jerry, one of my Gather friends, wrote that it is hard for him to enjoy all that he is thankful for and to truly feel grateful when there is so much suffering in the world.

It can be difficult to be happy when there are so many people in the world experiencing pain and loss. But feeling sad because of their challenges will not make their life any better, and it certainly does not help us. It is, in my opinion, far better to feel grateful and happy for the blessings in our life and to reach out and share them with others. Our guilt and sadness helps no one.

Today, as I thought about my own blessings, I naturally thought of my husband and life partner. He and I have been together for 21 years and married for 18. I am so grateful for the life we share together.

But what also occurred to me today is that I am grateful for what I learned during the most difficult challenges in my life. I have grown as a person from these experiences. Who I am today is a result of those often painful times. They have deepened me and forced me to turn inward. They have strengthened me and challenged me to become more spiritually centered.

As we think of the blessings that we have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving, it is natural to include the obvious ones: the loved ones, good health, prosperity, food to eat. But why not look deeper and appreciate the gifts we received from the times of trial and tribulation. When we can look at the painful times of our life and feel gratitude for the good that came out of them, we can begin to experience happiness no matter what the situation. As spiritual teacher Ram Das said, it's all "grist for the mill."

I went to a new audiologist awhile back; one of my hearing aids needed some adjusting. An African-American man sat hunched over a desk focused on his work. He turned briefly to acknowledge my presence, "I'll be with you in just a moment." There wasn't much warmth in his voice; it was rather gruff.

Several minutes later, he got up from his desk and came over to where I was sitting. "How can I help you?"

I'm having some trouble with one of my hearing aids and I was wondering if you could adjust it. He took it from my hands and looked it over. While he was examing it, I asked about the picture he had on his desk of a woman and a little boy. The man's face changed immediately. It was like a doorway opened and light poured out.

"That's my wife and two-year old son. I have another one on the way."

He asked me about myself and I told him that my husband and I had moved to Kansas City from Florida. The conversation flowed easily between us.

The man looked up at me over the top of his spectacles. "I'm supposed to charge you for this," he said. Then he smiled. "But I'm not going to."

"Well, thank you." I smiled back. "What a nice surprise."

Then I remembered the SMILE Award card that I had slipped into my purse a couple of days before, just in case I observed an act of kindness.

"Here, I have something for you." I handed him the small, orange and yellow card which says: You have been observed making a difference by doing the following:

"You have made a difference in my life today by your act of kindness and I want you to have this. Feel free to pass it on to someone else."

The man looked down at the card for a moment. When he looked up, tears were pooling in his eyes.

"Thank you. You've made my day," he said.

I walked out of the audiologist's office feeling great. We had come together on that day and shared our light with each other. Who knows what kind of day that this man was having before I came. From the tone of his voice when he greeted me, it didn't seem to be a good one. But in our brief time together, we connected on the heart level. We both gave and we both received. It was a satisfying and uplifting exchange of energy.

The Vatican recently came up with the 10 Commandments for drivers. They include:

1. You shall not kill.

2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.

3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.

4. Be charitable and help your neighbour in need, especially victims of accidents.

5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.

6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.

7. Support the families of accident victims.

8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.

9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.

10. Feel responsible toward others.

In addition, the Vatican encourages us all to pray while we drive (they suggest the rosary) and to make the sign of the cross before we start out. I'm not Catholic, but I agree that praying as we drive is a great idea. My drive to work takes about 25 minutes in the morning and I speak positive affirmations while I'm driving. I affirm such things as "I am a clear channel of God's love expressing in the world," "I always know what I need to know, when I need to know it," and "I am divinely guided and directed in all that I do and say."

I also take time to name all that I am grateful for in my life and to give thanks. By the time that I get to work, I'm in a great mood. I also find that I relate to people in a different way when I have taken the time to do this prayer work. Try it and see how it works for you.

Amy Turner Tunick came into this life on the 13th and she left this life on the 13th. May 13th of 2006 to be exact. I only found out about her passing a few days ago, and as we are coming upon the one-year anniversary of her passing, I wanted to tell you about this woman who has been an inspiration to me.

Amy was a columnist for the South Florida Sun-Times, which I used to read often when I lived in Florida. I always looked forward to Amy's column, as it was positive and upbeat. Even her picture made me feel good because she had a radiance about her and a beautiful smile.

After she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Amy shared her life and death struggle with readers in her column "The Feel-Good Column". She wrote honestly about her experience, but always remained positive and hopeful, right up to the end, according to those who knew her.

"Cry, scream, feel sorry for yourself--but not for long. Basically, this is about hope. Never lose it," Amy wrote in her last column, two weeks before her passing.

Amy didn't believe in giving up. She lived longer than most people with this disease--30 months. I attribute that to her positive attitude and strong spiritual faith.

One of the things that Amy taught the readers of her column was to live in the present. She didn't know how much time she had and she didn't focus on that. Amy often wrote about gratitude and all the things that she had to be grateful for in spite of her devastating illness. It was often the small, simple things in life that Amy was most grateful for--things that we all take for granted.

Today I got an email from Amy's mother, Marilyn. She has compiled many of Amy's columns over the time of her illness and produced a book called, Feeling Good, Even Through Cancer. If you'd like to order it, you can contact Marilyn at [email protected]. The proceeds from the book will go to the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and PanCan for pancreatic cancer research.

Last Sunday was Earth Day, but I don't believe we should focus only one day of the year on taking care of the home that we live in. We are stewards of this planet and it is up to us to keep it as clean and healthy as possible. Over the last century, civilization has wreaked havoc on the environment through thoughtless behavior and a lack of respect in addition to ignorance. Now we are being told that we must make changes or else there is disaster ahead.

As a New Thought practitioner, I believe that we must approach our work to restore the health of the planet with the right attitude and beliefs. We must walk a fine line. If we are constantly affirming lack and holding a negative attitude, we will be creating more of the same. We must instead hold in our minds a picture of a healthy planet and believe that our resources are abundant and unlimited and yet be willing to take positive steps in the outer to support this vision.

Here are some things that have been recommended:

Eat less meat: A plant-based diet generally requires less land, energy, and other resources. Crop-based food requires an average of 0.78 global hectares per ton of food, compared to 2.1 global hectares required to produce one ton of animal-based food. (This is a healthier diet for us anyway, according to research.)

Drive a fuel-efficient vehicleand reduce the amount that you drive-walk, cycle, carpool, or use public transportation instead.

Avoid purchasing disposable items with lots of packaging.Re-use items when possible, and always recycle items that are recyclable.

Compost kitchen waste:Garbage that is not contaminated with degradable (biological) waste can be more easily recycled and sorted, and doesn't produce methane gases (a significant greenhouse gas contributor) when stored in a landfill.

Let's give thanks every day for the beautiful home that we are blessed with in this vast universe. And let's envision this earth healthy and clean and capable of supporting all living things for many generations to come.

Here is an interpretation of The Lord’s Prayer that was written by James C. Lewis:

Our Father, who dwells with us, all-powerful is Thy nature. Thy perfection come, Thy good be done, in manifestation as it is in Spirit. Give us this day Divine ideas; and forgive our mistakes, as we forgive the mistakes of others; and lead us not in doubt, but deliver us from ignorance, for Thine is the perfection, the power, and the joy, eternally. Amen.

I like this interpretation. But whatever prayer we pray, whether it is this prayer, the standard Lord's Prayer, or just the prayer of "Thank You," it is important that the prayer be from our hearts and an awareness of God as our source. As Unity minister Eric Butterworth taught, it is not the prayer so much as it is the "consciousness in which we pray" that is important.

My prayer for you today is that you live in an awareness of God's presence in your life: God's love as the essence of who you are, and God as the source of your prosperity. With this as our awareness, we cannot help but live with an attitude of gratitude.

I have selected photographs that make me smile and brighten my day. I hope they will do that for you as well. Click on the photos to see an enlarged view. I invite you to visit often and see what I add to my collection.